Most people think of the Lost City of Atlantis when they think of lost submerged cities. But while the Lost City of Atlantis is likely never to be found (mostly because most modern historians think it likely never existed in the first place), there are a number of other lost submerged cities - like Epidaurus.
So after admiring the stunning Greek ruins on the surface (like the stunning Acropolis in Athens that is a must for any Greek trip) and exploring the ancient Greek realm of the gods at Mount Olympus, don't forget to also explore what was lost under the waves. Greece is a country that really packs in many attractions that would take a very long time to explore.
What To Know About The Ancient Sunken City Of Epidaurus
The sunken city of Epidaurus is located in the bay of Agios Vlasios in Greece in around 1.5 to 2 meters of water (4 to 6 feet). Here one can see Mycenaean tombs of the 12th century BC, walls, foundations of buildings, amphorae, parts of the ancient walls, and paved sections that are clearly visible through the crystal clear waters.
- Depth: 2 Meters
- Earliest History: 12th Century BC
One can easily explore the ruins by snorkeling or by kayak. Due to the shallowness of the water, visitors can get up close and personal with these ancient ruins and get every close to the ancient Agora (ancient city marketplace).
Epidaurus is around 2 hours drive from Athens and is just a few meters from the shore. If one can get a bird's eye view (with a drone or something), one will even be able to see paved streets that were inhabited by the locals centuries ago.
Archaeologists and historians think that this could have been a trading post in ancient times.
On land, the part of Epidaurus that isn't beneath the waves is famous for its ancient theater with its amazing acoustics. There is also the famous Kalymnios beach nearby - perfect for sunbathing.
Sea Kayak Epidavros - Ancient Sunken City Tour
If one would like a guided tour of the ancient sunken city, then consider Sea Kayak Epidavros' Ancient Sunken City Tour. This tour allows one to combine sightseeing and sea kayaking while touring the sunken city of Epidavros.
On the tour one will explore the Small Ancient Theatre of Epidavros (still on the land) and the Ancient Sunken City, also known as Argolida’s Lost Atlantis. After that explore the area’s beautiful coastline and wilderness with a scenic paddle to a quiet beach.
The tour will have plenty of time for swimming, snorkeling, and sunbathing before paddling back. During the day out, enjoy a complimentary traditional Greek lunch.
Included:
- Food: Lunch, Snacks, Bottled Water
- Photos: Pics and Videos Are Sent Later
- Big Dry Bag: To Protect One's Phone Etc From the Water
- Equipment: Kayaking And Snorkeling Equipment
- Departure & Return: From Palaia Epidavros 210 59 Greece
- Departure Time: 10.00 am
The small Ancient theatre of Epidavros was built during the 5th century BC. The tour will take around 15 minutes to check out this ancient landmark.
- Cost: Around $125.00 (Lowest Price Guarantee)
Other Ancient Lost Sunken Cities To Discover
This isn't even the only city Greece has lost to the waves, there is also the truly ancient lost city of Pavlopetri in Greece and the recently discovered lost city of Heracleion (also called Thonis) in Egypt.
Pavlopetri - One Of The Most Ancient Lost Sunken Cities:
Pavlopetri was discovered in 1967 by archaeologists from England. At first, it was dated to the Mycenaean period between 1600 and 1100 BC, but later on, it became clear it was even older dates from no later than 2800 BC. There is evidence of early Bronze Age middle Minoan and transitional material submerged at the site.
- Name: Literally Paul's Stone (Even Though It 3000 Years Older Than Saint Paul)
- Oldest: One of The Oldest (or Oldest) Known Underwater Cities In The World
Current theories claim it submerged at around 1000 BC by an event triggered by powerful earthquakes that rocked the area.
- First Occupied: Neolithic Period Between 4500-3200 BC
- Flourished: Particularly Flourished In The Early Bronze Age (3300-2000 BC) and the Late Bronze Age (1600-1100 BC)
- Depth: 3 to 4 Meters
- here are at least 15 buildings submerged at depths of 3 to 4 meters (9.8 to 13 feet) of water.
The Newly Found Lost Egyptian City of Heracleion/Thonis:
The city was the stuff of legends and few ever thought it really existed. The legendary beginnings of Heracleion (or Thonis) go back as far as the 12th century BC.
- Port: At One Time It Was The Main Port City Of Egypt
- Age: Perhaps As Old As The 12th Century BC
Over time the central island on with the city succumbed to soil liquefaction. It had been weakened by a combination of earthquakes, tsunamis, and rising sea levels. What had been hard clay, become liquid and the building built on it collapsed into the water.
- Succumbed: To Soil Liquefaction
- Date Sank: Sank From The End of 2nd Century BC To The 8th Century AD
Exploration of the ruins began in 1999 by the French archeologist Franck Goddio. Numerous finds from the city's ancient history were uncovered - including that of statues of the god Serapis and the queen Arsione II.
Excavations are continuing and every year there are more and more discoveries being made of this ancient city that had been lost under the waves for over a thousand years.